Interpretation of Natural Heritage for Tourism: the case of Ilha da Usina Park, Salto City, São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

The pristine vision of nature by West society was the main responsible by the creation of protected areas. The recreation activities in these areas reinforce this sense and not consider broader possibilities on society and nature relationship. The premises are the maintenance of heritage in a preservationist approach. This paper reviews this vision and discusses the outdoor recreation in protected areas, following principles of Environmental Interpretation. We present an environmental interpretation script in a trail of Ilha da Usina Natural Park, in Salto city, Brazil. An inventory of sites and information about the relational elements along the trail was carried out. The results indicate the importance of Environmental Interpretation principles in organizing recreation areas and the need for their constant monitoring.